Sheffield United defender Mason Holgate was sent off in the 13th minute for a horror tackle which helped Brighton ease to a 5-0 victory at Bramall Lane.
Holgate lunged in knee-high on Brighton’s Kauro Mitoma and was shown a straight red card following a VAR check before the visitors piled on the misery for Chris Wilder’s side, who became the first team in top-division history to concede five or more goals in three consecutive home games.
Facundo Buonanotte forced in the opener at a corner and Danny Welbeck slammed home the second four minutes later while the Blades had Ben Osborn’s goal ruled out for offside on the stroke of half-time.
Brighton dominated the second half, eventually repeating their quickfire double as Jack Robinson turned the ball into his own net before Simon Adingra swept in their fourth just two minutes later.
Adingra’s late deflected effort nestled into the bottom corner for Brighton’s fifth and became Sheffield United’s 65th goal conceded this season, the most in Premier League history after 25 games, which leaves them seven points from safety as Brighton move up to seventh.
How Brighton hammered Sheffield United
Simon Adingra celebrates with Danny Welbeck after scoring Brighton’s fourth goal at Bramall Lane
Both goalkeepers were forced into early saves as Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen parried from Jayden Bogle before Wes Foderingham had to be alert to keep team-mate Anel Ahmedhodzic from diverting the ball into his own net.
Holgate’s moment of madness allowed Brighton to take control with Buonanotte soon hooking in from close range at a corner in the 21st minute and Welbeck then smashing home the rebound from Mitoma’s shot three minutes later.
Mason Holgate was sent off for his tackle on Kaoru Mitoma.
Mitoma and then Pascal Gross both had efforts cleared off the Sheffield United goal line but the visitors were fortunate not to concede when Osborn was given offside after scoring via a ricochet off Buonanotte which was deemed not to have been deliberate.
Brighton had 82 per cent possession in the second half yet it took until the 75th minute for them to score the third as Mitoma’s cross from the left was turned into his own net by Robinson.
Jack Robinson scores an own goal to condemn Sheffield United to a 3-0 deficit against Brighton
The home fans were still heading for the exits as Adingra netted the fourth from Gross’ cross and it got worse when the winger’s effort looped over Foderingham via a deflection.
What’s next?
Sheffield United are back on Sky Sports next Sunday, travelling to Wolves in the Premier League on Super Sunday; kick-off 1.30pm.
Sunday 25th February 1:00pm
Kick off 1:30pm
Brighton are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they host Everton; kick-off 3pm.
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